SOCIAL DIMENSION OF THE BOLOGNA PROCESS: SUPPORT AND SERVICES FOR UNDER-REPRESENTED GROUPS IN SPANISH UNIVERSITIES

The social dimension of EHEA (European Higher Education Area) is one of the less known aspects of the Bologna Process, although it is a key element for equality of opportunities in the higher education level. This dimension implies that all students, irrespective of their personal or social circumstances, have the same opportunity to access and successfully finish their studies. This article, after a brief analysis of the social dimension concept, reviews the situation of Spanish universities for three under-represented groups: adults, immigrants and people with disabilities. The main conclusion is that it is necessary to continue increasing support for these students, increasing the efforts made in this respect in recent years.